Hiking & trail running: what do I need to bring?

Inga Fanney, our trail running and hiking expert, is the newest staff member here at Ísafold Travel. She has planned a series of hiking and trail running tours that are scheduled for this summer in Iceland and Greenland. These include scheduled tours on the classic Laugavegur trail (hiking or trail running), discovering the Icelandic Highlands (hiking or trail running) and there’s even a sailboat trail running tour in Greenland. Below Inga shares what you would need to bring on a hiking and/or trail running trip.

If you are planning to go hiking or running in Iceland, there are several important things to consider that will make your trip more enjoyable. As you’ve probably heard, the weather in Iceland can be unpredictable, and the locals say: “If you don’t like the weather in Iceland, just wait 5 minutes!” However, what happens if it doesn’t change to sunny and calm after waiting 5 minutes? It is essential to be prepared for any type of conditions the weather gods decide to send us. Here are a few things we think will make your hiking experience in Iceland more enjoyable:

Planning to hike in Iceland? Here’s what you should bring:

First of all, you need good hiking shoes. To be on the safe side, bring leather waterproof ones with good ankle support and medium hard sole to tackle the rocks and uneven slopes.

Good socks are just as important as good shoes. Don’t underestimate the importance of good socks. Cotton is not our friend here. You’ll want woollen or synthetic type of socks, and at least a few pairs.

Shirts – both long sleeve and short sleeve. This is the important thermal underwear you don’t want to leave behind on your Iceland trip. Fabric can be wool or synthetic, and again cotton is not the appropriate fabric.

Strong and light trousers that will dry quickly, and a pair of shorts wouldn’t hurt for the warmer days.

And then the important stuff: waterproofs! Leave the poncho and umbrella at home, as those do not serve any purpose in Iceland, except being blown away when the wind seems to come from every direction. You want to bring light, breathable, windproof and waterproof jacket AND trousers. Make sure to bring a waterproof jacket with a hood. Waterproofs are mandatory when hiking in Iceland for several days.

Other equipment we recommend you bring:

Light wool or fleece jumper

Shoes for when you’re not hiking (or when drying the hiking shoes)

Extra set of trousers and shirts

Warm socks for when you’re not hiking

Warm jacket (down, primaloft, etc. Something that keeps you warm when not hiking)

Headwear, Buff, warm cap or multifunctional headwear

Gloves

A light day backpack

Towel and bathing suit

Water container

Sunglasses

Sun protection

Headlamp

Water container

Camera!

Earplugs

Soft travel bag (not hard suitcases)

Sleeping bag, depending on the type of accommodation you have requested

River shoes – closed sandals, or similar. Open sandals or flip-flops will not do the job.

Personal first aid kit, including blister care.

Prescription medication and other personal health items.

Toiletries: toothbrush, toothpaste, etc.

Optional: walking poles, gaiters, neoprene socks, etc.

Going on a trail running adventure? Here’s what you need to bring:

Sleeping bag

Trail running shoes (not brand new), either with soft or hard sole. It is very useful to bring an extra pair if you have them (the extra pair does not need to be trail running shoes). On Greenland trips bring hard sole trail running shoes.

Other shoes for when not running

Running socks (not cotton)

Socks for when not running

Short-sleeve running shirt

Long-sleeve running shirt

We recommend woollen short and long sleeve shirts for when not running

Short and long running trousers

Warm trousers for when not running

Waterproof trousers for when not running

Waterproof jacket with hood (light and easily packable)

A good running jacket

Warm jacket for when not running, and in the evenings

Warm running cap, Buff, multifunctional headwear

Gloves (running gloves AND thicker ones for when not running)

A light day backpack

Towel

Sunglasses

Sun protection

Water container

Camera!

Earplugs

Soft travel bag (not hard suitcases)

Headlamp

Personal first aid kit

Energy bars and gels you are used to (no experimenting please)

Prescription medication and other personal health items.

Toiletries; Toothbrush, toothpaste etc.

If you still have doubts about your equipment, drop us a line at [email protected], so we can help make sure you bring the appropriate gear to enjoy your visit to Iceland.